The day will begin with the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce’s Liberty on Parade, a longstanding community tradition featuring marching bands, floats, civic organizations, businesses, and patriotic displays. The parade typically starts at 9am and draws spectators along the parade route through downtown Idaho Falls.
Following the parade, attention will shift to Snake River Landing, where Riverfest will offer a full day of family-friendly entertainment along the banks of the Snake River. The festival is scheduled to begin around 11am and will feature food vendors, live music, children’s activities, arts and crafts, and other attractions spread across more than 70 acres of riverfront park space. Admission to Riverfest is free, although some activities may require a fee.
The celebration will culminate with the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration, widely recognized as the largest annual fireworks display west of the Mississippi River.
The show, which is expected to begin shortly after 10pm, is visible from numerous locations throughout Idaho Falls, with Snake River Landing serving as the primary gathering area. Organizers anticipate attendance exceeding 200,000 people, making it Idaho’s largest annual public event.
City officials encourage attendees to arrive early, plan for traffic congestion, and take advantage of designated parking and viewing areas throughout the community. With the nation’s 250th anniversary falling in 2026, organizers expect this year’s celebration to be among the most memorable in the event’s history.
The annual summer festival showcases a hand-selected collection of regional businesses, artisans, food vendors and entertainers, creating a vibrant marketplace experience for visitors of all ages. Attendees can browse unique products from local makers, enjoy a variety of food truck offerings and take in live performances throughout the event.
One of the festival’s most popular attractions is Adventureland, an outdoor recreational area designed to offer fun, interactive experiences for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Admission is free. For the latest performance schedule and a complete vendor directory, visit the official Summer Market Days page on the Mountain America Center website.
Bullying has many facets, and Merrill believes it’s not getting any better, despite anti-bullying stances in schools and workplaces.
“Music has a means of teaching without preaching, bypassing some of the mental barriers that are erected with lectures,” explains Merrill. “Armed with that knowledge, I have been working on this musical, recording demo tracks professionally.”
Merrill estimates each song costs about $1,000, and he’s down to his last four and could use the community’s help to finish. Donations can be made through a Venmo link on the Bulliedmusical.com website. His plan is to have the musical performed locally once it is complete. All donations of any size are greatly appreciated.